Criminal Procedure - Evidence - Protecting the Admissibility of Creative Expression (PACE Act)

SB 1001 (PACE Act) prevents criminal or juvenile courts from using a defendant’s creative works - like music, poetry, art, or film - against them unless the court makes four specific findings: (1) the work was meant literally, not figuratively; (2) it directly references the crime’s facts; (3) it’s relevant to a disputed fact; and (4) no other evidence can substitute for it. The law directly affects defendants and juvenile respondents in court cases involving their creative expression. It does not apply to juvenile cases where creative works are used for mental health evaluations or diversion programs. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.